Sicilian Violet
25d to harvest
Sweetly peppered and vividly aromatic, Sicilian Violet radish brings a jewel-toned crunch to the garden—its skin a luminous violet that deepens toward the shoulder, with a crisp, tender interior that stays pleasantly juicy. At just about 25 days from sowing, you’ll harvest salad radishes with a clean, refreshing bite that shines in fresh plates, brightening spring mixes and quick pickles alike. Grow them for their striking color and fast turnaround—each handful feels like a small bouquet of edible color.
Crop Dates
Growing note: In frost-free Zone 12b, grow this cool-season crop during the cooler dry season (October–February).
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Start Indoors | — |
| Climate | Frost-Free Climate |
| Transplant / Sow Outdoors | Oct 1st |
| Harvest Begins | Oct 26th |
| Harvest Ends | Feb 28th |
Crop Details
| Trait | Value |
|---|---|
| Days to Maturity | 25 |
| Sun Requirements | Full Sun |
| Growth Habit | Taproot |
| Support Needed | None |
| Planting Depth | Normal |
| Germination Temp (°F) | 55 |
| Min Soil Temp (°F) | 45 |
| Min Night Temp (°F) | 35 |
| Harden Off (days) | Not Required |
Recommended Companions
Frequently Asked Questions
What pest or disease commonly affects Raphanus sativus (Sicilian Violet), and how can I control it?
Watch for flea beetles (small jumping holes) and downy mildew/leaf spots during cool, damp spells. To reduce flea beetles, cover seedlings with a row cover immediately after sowing and remove once plants are well established, then use yellow sticky cards to monitor. If you see leaf spots or mildew, remove heavily affected leaves and water at the soil line to keep foliage dry; avoid overhead watering.
How do I tell when Sicilian Violet radishes are ready to harvest?
Harvest at about 25 days after sowing, or sooner if roots are showing through the soil surface. The best indicator is root size: pull one and check that the shoulder is firm and sized as you expect—overgrown radishes get woody and sharper. Harvest promptly when they’re ready; leaving them in the ground past maturity often reduces tenderness.